MONEY

MANAGEMENT
TIPS
EVERY COLLEGE
STUDENT
SHOULD KNOW
MONEY
MANAGEMENT
TIPS
EVERY COLLEGE STUDENT SHOULD KNOW
To download 40 Money Management Tips in PDF format, visit:
www.smartaboutmoney.org/40moneytips
2011 National Endowment for Financial Education. All rights reserved.
The content areas in this material are believed to be current as of this printing, but over time,
legislative and regulatory changes, as well as new developments, may date this material.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
40 Money Management Tips Every College Student Should Know
GETTING STARTED ....... pg. 3
#1. Take charge of your lifeand your money
#2. Know the ground rules
#3. Get organized
#4. Protect your personal information
CHECKING ACCOUNTS ....... pg. 6
#5. Find the best deal for your checking account
#6. Dont bounce checks
FINANCIAL AID ....... pg. 8
#7. Understand your fnancial aid
#8. Keep looking for fnancial aid
#9. Watch out for scholarship scams
#10. Use loans as a last resort
#11. Understand your student loan obligation
#12. Submit a new FAFSA every year
#13. Talk to a fnancial aid offcer if your
situation changes
JOBS ....... pg. 12
#14. Make school your frst job
#15. Look for a job on campus
#16. Turn a hobby or a skill into a
money-making endeavor
#17. Take time now to prepare for your career
DORM LIFE ....... pg. 14
#18. Choose the meal plan that works for you
#19. Save on snacks
#20. Use the dorm or campus computers instead
of buying your own
#21. Talk to your roommates about money issues
#22. Compare the cost of an apartment with the
cost of a dorm room
APARTMENTS ....... pg. 17
#23. Pay the rent on time
#24. Set ground rules regarding money
CUTTING EXPENSES ....... pg. 18
#25. Resist peer pressure
#26. Separate needs from wants
#27. Take advantage of student discounts
#28. Dont let car expenses drive you crazy
#29. Keep track of your student account
#30. Plug everyday spending leaks
#31. Create a budget and stick to it
CREDIT AND DEBT ....... pg. 21
#32. Build good credit
#33. Avoid credit card pushers
#34. Take control of your credit card
#35. Get help if you get into debt trouble
SAVING AND INVESTING MONEY ....... pg. 24
#36. Get into the savings habit
#37. Learn the power of compounding
#38. Pay yourself frst
#39. Learn about your options for saving and
investing money
#40. Net worth is not the same as self-worth
SPENDING PLAN WORKSHEET ....... pg. 27
RESOURCES ....... pg. 29
THE DECISION TO ATTEND COLLEGE is one that will
create many opportunities for you. What lies ahead is full of
possibility. While this is cause for excitement, it also can be
overwhelming. Continuing your education is often the frst step
toward achieving goals pertaining to your career and personal
accomplishment, but it can be expensive and full of challenges.
The fnancial decisions you make during college might
range from handling loose change to managing thousands of
dollars. But no matter how much money youre dealing with,
determining your fnances helps you determine your future.
When you know how to manage your money, you will be better
prepared to pursue your goalsand have enough money to
make them a reality.

Thats why the National Endowment for Financial
Education

(NEFE

) has created this booklet. Think of it as

your crash course in money management. The goal? To help
you become confdent and fnancially independent as you
continue your education. When you learn how to take control
of your money, your money will not take control of you.
INTRODUCTION
2
The best way to take charge of your money is to have a plan for it. Instead of thinking about money as
just something to spend, think about making your money work for you. This is called fnancial planning, and
it starts with three steps:
1. Defne your fnancial goals.
2. Make plans to reach your goals.
3. Take action until your goals become a reality.
What fnancial goals do you have for your money? To buy books next semester? To save $100 a
month for the next four years to buy a car when you graduate? To save $50 a month? Write down some of
your fnancial goals below, including how much you will need to save each month and how long you will have
to save to achieve them.
3
GETTING STARTED
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR
LIFEAND YOUR MONEY
#
1
GOAL $ NEEDED BY (DATE) HOW ILL REACH MY GOAL
#
2
KNOW THE
GROUND
RULES
Have you talked about
money with your parents or
guardians? Have you discussed
what their expectations are for
how you handle your money? Do
they expect you to get a job while
youre in school, or do they want
you to focus all of your attention
on your studies? It is important to
know what you can expect of your
parents or guardians, too. If you get
into a fnancial jam, will they be
able to help you out?

Paying for college is a
huge investment and takes a family
commitment. If your parents or
guardians will be helping you
with the costs, discuss with them
early on what their expectations
for you are and what you can
expect from them. Once you
know which expenses will be
your responsibility, youll have
a better idea of the time, effort
and resourcefulness that will be
required to hold up your end of
the deal.
4
GET ORGANIZED
#
3
You probably have a notebook for each of your classes to help you stay organized. Take some time to
get your fnancial life organized, too. Creating a fling system to keep track of fnancial paperwork and other
important documents will help you pay bills on time and meet important deadlines. Keeping records also helps
you identify errors in your fnancial records and recall important dates, like loan repayments and bill due dates.
Heres one way to label your fles:
Bill Payments: Put your bills in this fle to help you remember to pay them on time.
Checking Account: In general, save your canceled checks and bank statements
(if they are online, save them as a PDF and print them out). You should
keep fve to seven years worth of bank statements in your records for
tax purposes.
Savings and Investments: File the statements from your bank
savings account and any other investments such as a Certifcates of
Deposit (CDs), savings bonds, or mutual funds.
College: Keep records about your courses, grades, and credits.
Financial Aid: Save applications, award letters,
student loan agreements, and notes about important
telephone conversations.
Insurance: File your car, medical, and
renters policies.
Loan and Credit Records: File loan
agreements and payment records for car
loans, credit card payments, and so on.
Receipts and Warranties: Keep this
information for major purchases, such as
computers and stereos.
Taxes: Put your tax returns, W2s, pay stubs, etc., here.
Records that are diffcult to replace, such as your original birth
certifcate and Social Security card, should be stored in a safe deposit
box at a bank or in a fre-resistant safe at home.
Dont give someone else the opportunity to spend your money or use your credit. A few steps you can
take to safeguard your personal and fnancial information include:

Dont give anyone your Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers unless you know
why the individual or organization is requesting them. If you are unsure, ask the person to send
you a request by mail instead of asking for it over the telephone. Also be sure to ignore and delete
emails requesting personal information.

Dont just throw away papers that list important account numbers or other fnancial numbers. Shred
anything with your name, address, credit card information, or bank account numbers before putting
it in the trash or recycle bin. This includes unused credit card offers.

Dont send your credit card number over the Internet unless you are sure the website is secure and
your computer is protected by a frewall and anti-virus, anti-spyware, and other security software.
Keep your security software updated.

Keep your credit card and ATM receipts in a safe place until youve paid the credit card bill
or balanced your checkbook. Then tear them up or shred them before throwing them away.

Review your credit card statements and telephone bills for unauthorized use. If you suspect fraud,
call the company immediately.

If youre a victim of identity theft, report the crime to the police and your bank immediately.
PROTECT YOUR
PERSONAL INFORMATION
#
4
5
6
CHECKING ACCOUNTS
FIND THE BEST DEAL FOR
YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT
#
5
Having your money in a checking account lets you write checks, which costs less than purchasing
money orders to pay for things. If youre paying regular bills such as car insurance, rent, credit card payments,
and so on, these cant be paid with cash. In addition, your canceled checks are a good record of your paid bills.
With a checking account, you have easy access to your money through writing checks, using a debit
card, or getting cash from an ATMwhile having the security of keeping your money in a bank. To decide
which bank or credit union is best for you, research institutions near you and compare what they offer. This will
help you choose the right bank. You can visit the branch in person or visit their website.

A few things to consider:
1. Where is the bank or credit union located? Is there a branch or ATM on campus?
2. What is the minimum deposit to open an account?
3. Does the bank or credit union offer any special student accounts?
4. Does the bank or credit union offer a basic or no-frills account that costs less?
5. Does the bank or credit union offer online banking, and if so, is there a fee?
6. Is there a monthly fee for having the account?
7. What is the cost of 100 new checks?
8. Is there a minimum balance required to avoid penalty fees?
9. Can you write as many checks as you want, or are you limited to a certain number per month?
10. Are there any interest-earning accounts?
11. What is the fee for a bounced check or
overdraft item?
12. How much does overdraft protection cost?
What are the options? Can I link another
account to cover potential overdrafts?
13. What other fees does the bank or credit union charge?
If you write a check for more money than you have in your account, the check will bounce and your
bank will charge you a hefty fee, which may be as high as $38 per check. The same goes for using your debit
card when youre out of money. Bounced checks also can hurt your credit history. Plus, if your bank notifes
other banks about your check-bouncing habits, you may be refused banking services from other banks in the
future. Also remember that the store where you wrote the check may charge you a bounced-check fee, too.
New banking rules allow consumers to choose whether or not they will be charged overdraft fees for debit card
and ATM transactions. By opting-in, you are authorizing your bank or credit union to allow your transactions to
go through even if you are short money in your account. This will result in the fnancial institution charging you
fees for the overdraft. Under the rules, if you opt-out your transaction will be denied.
To avoid bouncing checks, do the following:
Every time you write a check, enter the amount into your checkbook register and subtract it from your balance.
Make sure to list ATM, debit card, credit card, and online transactions in your register as well.
Dont assume your account balance at the ATM is correct. If you made purchases that havent been processed
by your bank yet, the ATM balance will be higher than the amount of money you really have. The same is true
for your online bank balance.
When the bank mails or posts online your checking account statement each month, compare the banks fgures
with your own and balance your checkbook. If you have questions, ask someone at the bank to help you.
Keep your records safe. If you suspect someone else has gained access to your checking account, report it to
your bank immediately. They can place a freeze on your account so it cannot be used.
Overdraft protection may be an option, depending on the type of account. However, if you choose this feature,
you will have to pay interest and fees on the little loans the bank gives you to cover your bounced checks.
In many cases, a savings account can be linked to a checking account to cover overdrafts.
7
DONT BOUNCE CHECKS
#
6
Bounced checks
can hurt your
credit history.
Your fnancial aid package is very important. Make sure you know
what you have to do to keep the money coming! Read the information about
your fnancial aid carefully, and then fle it in your Financial Aid folder.
What types of fnancial aid are you being offered? Is it free money
like scholarships or grants, a job or a loan you need to repay? If it is a
scholarship or grant, do you need to do something to renew it each year? Some scholarships, for example, require
you to maintain a certain grade point average or to take part in events sponsored by the organization that awarded
you the money. If you have a Work-Study job, there may be a requirement that says you cant work somewhere else
in addition to your Work-Study job. Loans, too, have very specifc obligations, especially in terms of repayment.
Understanding your fnancial aid will help you ensure you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and help you
determine exactly how much additional money you will need to pay for your education.
UNDERSTAND
YOUR
FINANCIAL AID
#
7
8
Scholarships, grants, Work-
Study jobs and loans arent given
only to incoming freshmen. You can
keep applying for fnancial aid all the
way through college. You may think
that applying for a scholarship is a
lot of work, but look at it this way:
If you spend fve hours working on
a scholarship application and it pays
$250, youve earned $50 an hour for
your time ($250 / 5 = $50). Where
else can you get a job that pays $50
an hour?!

Stay on top of fnancial aid
every year that youre in college.
First, be sure you know what you
need to do to keep the aid you
already have! Then take these steps:
Ask about scholarships available
to students in your major.
Apply for every form of aid you
may qualify for regardless of the
amount. Even a small grant will
help pay for lab fees or books.
KEEP LOOKING FOR FINANCIAL AID
#
8
Reapply for aid you didnt receive last year if your personal situation
has changed, such as a sibling starting college or a drop in family income
due to a job loss.
Circle the dates! The most common mistake students make when
applying for fnancial aid is missing deadlines. Mark important dates on
your calendar so you dont miss them.
Talk to your fnancial aid offce. The professionals in the fnancial aid
offce are there to counsel and advise you. Talk to themthey can
help you!
Check out the Internet. Here are some websites to visit:
U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov)

Federal Student Aid (www.studentaid.ed.gov)
FinAid!The Smart Student

Guide to Financial Aid

(www.fnaid.org)
Fast Webfnancial aid search (www.fastweb.com)
College Board (www.collegeboard.org)

FINANCIAL AID
9
To avoid becoming a victim of a scholarship scam:
Dont fall for guarantees or claims that someone has information you cant get anywhere else.
Know that legitimate scholarships never charge fees and the application information is available to everyone.
Legitimate scholarship organizations have eligible students coming to them for scholarship dollars. Question
any company that seeks you out with offers of awarded money, when you havent applied to them frst.
Look for valid contact information on websites and publications, such as active telephone numbers and
actual mailing addresses (not just P.O. boxes).
For more information visit www.studentaid.ed.gov.
WATCH OUT FOR
SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS
#
9
Think of student loans this way: They are
an investment in your future, but they also will put
you into debt. Many students spend 10 or 20 years
repaying their college loans. As just one example,
if you borrow $31,000 in a Federal Stafford Loan,
you will have to pay $356.75 every month for 10
years. (This assumes a 6.8 percent interest rate and a
10-year payback period.) By the time you pay back
the $31,000 plus interest, you will have shelled out
$42,810! There are many different types of student
loans, including those provided by the federal
government and those provided by private lenders.
Interest rates for Federal Stafford Loans may vary
depending on when the borrowing occurs.
To fnd out the current interest rates for new
student loans, visit the Federal Student Aid website
at www.studentaid.ed.gov. Private student loan rates
and terms vary widely, therefore, research, read, and
understand all of the terms prior to borrowing.
To graduate with as little debt as possible,
keep looking for scholarships and grantsits like
fnding free money. Also, use your summer work
earnings to pay for college expenses. If you do take
out a student loan, use it only to pay for school
expenses. A student loan isnt money to blow on
spring vacations or to pay off your credit cards. On
the other hand, a Federal Stafford Loan that charges
no more than 6.8 percent interest is always a better
deal than putting your tuition bill on a credit card that
charges 16 percent to 22 percent interest.
USE LOANS AS A LAST RESORT
#
10
Before you accept a student loan, carefully review it. Make sure you know what you will have to repay and
when. Keep in mind that private loans usually have higher variable interest rates than government loans and may go
into repayment while you are still in school. Federal student loans have fxed rates and you do not pay them back
while you are a student.
Also, understand that a student loan must be repaid. If you dont repay it, it will hurt your credit record.
If you default on a federal student loan, the consequences may be even more severe and include garnishment
of your wages or legal action. A poor credit record will make it diffculteven impossibleto get a loan in the
future to buy a car or a house, and it could negatively affect your chances of getting a job.
In a few situations, the federal government may provide a loan payoff assistance. This means you will
not have to repay part, or all of the loan. For example:
Many law schools provide loan payoff assistance on law school loans for students who serve in public interest
or nonproft positions. Contact:
Equal Justice Works
www.equaljusticeworks.org
202-466-3686
Groups such as the National Health Service Corps (http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov/) offer medical school loan
payoff assistance programs to physicians who agree to practice for a set number of years in locations that lack
adequate medical care (including remote and/or economically depressed regions).
Many hospitals and private health-care facilities use loan payoff assistance to recruit occupational and physical
t herapists. Contact:
American Physical Therapy Association
www.apta.org
1-800-999-2782
American Occupational Therapy Association
www.aota.org
301-652-2682
Congress recently created the Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees Program. If youre employed in
certain public service felds after graduation, the new program provides for the cancellation of the remaining
balance due on eligible federal student loans after youve made 120 monthly payments on those loans under
certain repayment plans. For more information, visit www.studentaid.ed.gov and www.fnaid.org.
Americorps (www.americorps.gov), Peace Corps (www.peacecorps.gov), and Teach for America
(www.teachforamerica.org) all have different loan forgiveness programs as well.
UNDERSTAND YOUR
STUDENT LOAN OBLIGATION
#
11
10
11
To apply for federal fnancial aid, you must complete and fle the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA. The FAFSA form may be completed online at www.fafsa.gov.
Keep these tips in mind when completing the form:
Read the instructions carefully. Avoid common mistakes on fnancial aid formsincluding missing deadlines
and submitting incomplete information.
Apply early! The FAFSA is available after January 1 every year. The earlier you get started in your fnancial
aid search, the better your chances of fnding the money you need. If the numbers on your and/or your parents
or guardians tax returns end up being different from what you expected, you can update your FAFSA later.
FAFSA forms are free and are good for one year only. Contact your college fnancial aid offce or visit
College Goal Sunday (www.collegegoalsundayusa.org).
Most importantlycomplete a FAFSA even if you dont think you qualify for fnancial aid, and even if you
didnt qualify the previous year. Your eligibility may be impacted by the smallest change in your familys
circumstances, so it is better to try each year than give up completely. Also, if there are unexpected changes
or fnancial crises that surprise you, the fnancial aid offce will already have the information they need to try
and help.
SUBMIT A NEW
FAFSA EVERY YEAR
#
12
If an unexpected event
changes your fnancial situationa
parent loses a job or youre hit with
a major medical billtalk with
your fnancial aid offce. Based on
the circumstances, you may have
additional aid eligibility.
Even if you mismanage your money
and get yourself head over heels in
credit card debtgo to the fnancial
aid offce.
They can direct you to
people or programs that can help you
get back on solid footing. No matter
how bad things may look fnancially,
theres help. Talk to someone and get
the help you need.
TALK TO A FINANCIAL AID OFFICER
IF YOUR SITUATION CHANGES
#
13
12
JOBS
MAKE
SCHOOL
YOUR
FIRST JOB
#
14
On-campus jobs have several advantages over off-campus positions. You dont have to travel away from
campus and on-campus jobs often have fexible hours that can adapt to student schedules. Visit your schools
student employment offce to fnd out about job openings on campus. Your professors also may know about
jobs in their departments. If you can fnd a job thats related to your major, thats even better. Relevant work
experience will look good on your resume when you look for a permanent position after graduation.
Many students work part time while going to college. Some even
hold down full-time jobs. These students often report that they appreciate
their education more because they worked to pay for it. They also leave
school with an edge in the professional world because they have valuable
work experience.
Working doesnt have to interfere with getting good grades, but it
does mean you have to manage your time carefully. If at all possible, limit
your work hours, at least at frst. College is demanding and it can take
time to adjust to the rigors of the academic workload.
Then, schedule your study time like you schedule work.
Remember, school is your most important job right now. A college
education will give you the biggest payoff down the road, so dont
let anything else interfere with it. Go to class, participate in discussions,
get to know your professors, and make sure you get out of every class
what you need to know. After all, youre paying for it!
Before taking a job, check with your fnancial aid offce. Ask if
earning additional income will affect your eligibility for fnancial aid.
If it will, calculate which will be more benefcialthe job or the aid.
It rarely happens but its good to check.
LOOK FOR A JOB
ON CAMPUS
#
15
You dont have to work for someone else to make a few bucks. Being your own boss gives you the
ultimate fexibility in balancing studying and working. You might offer house-sitting, baby-sitting, pet-sitting,
dog-walking, tutoring, computer-troubleshooting, or car-detailing services; or selling handmade goods, such as
jewelry, photography or paintings. Put your talents to work and become a young entrepreneur.
TURN A HOBBY OR A SKILL INTO
A MONEY-MAKING ENDEAVOR
#
16
13
TAKE TIME NOW TO PREPARE
FOR YOUR CAREER
#
17
Its a smart move to take jobs throughout college that will get you ahead in your chosen feld once you
graduate. However, even if you dont work through college, you can take steps now to prepare for your frst job.
Here are a few things to consider:
No matter how far off graduation seems to be, always attend on-campus interviews and career fairs. Its never
too early to hone your interview skills to make the best possible impression on your potential employer, and
networking is crucial to landing a job.

Take advantage of the career center. It has the resources to help you prepare for
applications, interviews and the general job-hunting process.
Get your resume ready. It is very important to create an effective resume, and
its important to craft a customized cover letter too. After all, its the letter that
allows you to express your interest in a job and why youre the best candi-
date. While youre at it, its also helpful to be prepared to fll out job
applications. Begin to gather all your important information on a single
piece of paperemployment history, education, and the names and phone
numbers of people who will serve as references.
Use online job resources to research companies that have jobs in your feld
of interest. Look for internships too, as they can give you invaluable
experience and often will prepare you for a permanent position within
a company.
Figure out the salary range of jobs you research, and then see how much
you will be making after taxes. Also take into consideration the hidden
costs of jobs, such as the money it will take to purchase proper clothing
or the transportation to get to work. If youre looking for jobs in
different locations, compare and calculate costs of living in those places.

Learn how to analyze benefts. Youll want to review retirement
benefts, analyze employee-provided health care coverage, and look
at additional insurance offered by the employer. Also consider
additional perks that may be available, such as employee stock
purchase plans, company discounts, transportation passes, tuition
reimbursement, and training or professional development. Taking
all these factors into consideration will help you effectively
compare multiple job offers.
14
DORM LIFE
CHOOSE THE MEAL PLAN
THAT WORKS FOR YOU
#
18
Many colleges allow students to choose a plan for meals eaten in
the dorms cafeteria. If you have a choice of meal plans, make sure youre
using the right one for you. An unlimited plan may tempt you to get your
moneys worth in food, even though youd be satisfed with lighter fare.
If youre on a limited plan, but often hungry, consider switching to an
unlimited plan. The increased cost can be balanced by what you save on
expensive snacks.
Most importantly, if you have a meal plan, use
it! Youve already paid for the food.
Dont pay again to eat somewhere else.
Avoid buying sodas and
snacks out of vending machines or
from convenience stores. Instead,
buy snacks at the grocery store
and keep them in your room. If
your dorm allows you to have a
small microwave or refrigerator,
share the cost with your roommate
and buy snacks in large quantities
to keep on hand. This way, you
can stash some food in your
backpack before heading to class
and can avoid more expensive,
less healthy options.
SAVE ON SNACKS
#
19
15
Do you need your own computer at school? Certainlyif you already own one. But is a personal computer
absolutely necessary? Probably not. Undergraduate schools compete for top-quality students. They know that access
to the latest computing technology is on the must-have list for most prospective students. For this reason, universities
devote considerable resources to the upgrading and maintenance of their all-access computer labs. Note, however, that
some schools actually require you to have a laptop. Generally, you can use the schools printers, so you dont need to
worry about bringing a large printer.
If you are considering bringing your own computer to college, a few things to consider include:
Cost: Did you buy access to a drop-in computer lab when you paid tuition and fees, or are you
charged a fee each time you use the facility?
Software: Does the computer lab feature sophisticated software you cant afford for your own
computer?
Maintenance and repair costs: Do you own an older personal computer with a higher risk of hard
drive failure or other mechanical problems?
Frequency of use: Do you tend to use a computer for a few minutes during each paid computer lab
session or in large blocks of time?
Convenience: Can you walk to the campus computer lab? If not, would you have to drive more than
a few miles?

Busy times: Are computer lab workstations available during your preferred study periods?
USE THE DORM OR CAMPUS
COMPUTERS INSTEAD OF
BUYING YOUR OWN
#
20
16
College students often think they can save money by living off campus. There are, however, a lot of
expenses that go with apartment living that you should consider before you make the move. Since you may or
may not save money by moving out of the dorm, youll have to balance your reasonswhich are not always
just about moneywith the costs. Many landlords require students to sign 12-month leases, but students may
only be in school eight to nine months out of the year. They need to think about how they will cover the rent for
those months they are not in school.
Costs for off-campus housing add up quickly. To decide if its going to be cheaper to live in the dorm or off
campus, estimate the costs for the following items and compare the total to the cost of your current dorm living.
Making a roommate relationship work for everyone requires planning, commitment, involvement, and
sometimes, hard work. There are many advantages to having roommatescompanionship, friendship, and
the opportunity to share expenses and responsibilities are just a few of those advantages. But there can be a
downside toofor example, if you fnd out too late that your roommate never pays his or her bills or is reckless
with property. For these reasons, it makes sense to sit down and set some ground rules prior to moving in.
One of the ground rules should be about money. Talk to your roommate about how you will share the
costs of things you might need for your room, how youll handle shared bills, and what your policy will be
about lending money to each other.
A hint: Its probably better not to lend money to your roommate or anyone else. Youll avoid a lot of hard
feelings if someone doesnt pay back the money.
TALK TO YOUR ROOMMATES
ABOUT MONEY ISSUES
#
21
COMPARE THE COST
OF AN APARTMENT WITH
THE COST OF A DORM ROOM
#
22
CATEGORY COST
RENT
UTILITIES
PHONE
INTERNET
CABLE
FOOD
LAUNDRY
MISC.
CATEGORY COST
TRANSPORTATION
RENTERS INSURANCE
HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS
PETS
GAS
PARKING FEES
TOTAL =
APARTMENTS
PAY THE RENT ON TIME
#
23
If you opt for an apartment, always pay the rent on time. This will help you build good credit. However, if
something unavoidable happens and the rent will be late, call your landlord immediately. Explain the situation and
try to make at least a partial payment by the due date. Then, give the landlord a defnite plan for paying the rest.
If your lease says there is a penalty for paying late, expect to pay it. If youre really short on money, ask
the landlord if you can do some chores (yardwork, exterior painting, odd jobs) to pay for part of the rent. Or, see
if your landlord is willing to accept lump sum payments if you receive fnancial aid refunds each term. That way
you can pay your rent for a certain number of months up front when you have the money. Keep communicating
with your landlord and be honest and realistic about your situation. Keeping the lines of communication open
will go a long way toward encouraging your landlord to work with you on this problem.
Talking to your roommates about money issues is especially important when you have an apartment because
there are many more issues involved. Make sure you and your roommates are very clear about how you will
share the costs of everything. Here are some examples:
Will you shop together and split the food
bill, or will each of you buy your own food?
How will you share other household staples
like groceries and other supplies?

What if one person wants to turn up the heat
and the other wants it down?
What happens if one roommate damages the
apartment and the landlord refuses to return
your security deposit?
What will you do if one of your roommates
moves out before the lease expires?
These are important issues that could end up costing a lot of money. Discuss these situations with your
roommates before a problem comes up. Even better, put your agreement in writing and have each roommate
sign the agreement.
SET GROUND RULES
REGARDING MONEY
#
24
17
18
CUTTING EXPENSES
RESIST PEER PRESSURE
#
25
Many students report that they sometimes feel pressured by college friends to spend money that they
dont have. A few strategies to deal with the situation include:
Write down your long-term goals and how a college education will help you reach them. Read this list often
to remind yourself why you have made the fnancial commitment to attend college.
Go with your friends to free or low-cost college events, such as lectures, dances, sporting events, and movies.
Keep track of how much you spend on everything. If youre spending more than you can afford, make
changes. The spending plan worksheet on pages 27-28 can help.
Be willing to say No, I cant afford to do that. Many students dont have much money, but sometimes they
are unwilling to admit it. Your willingness to be honest and live within your means sends a strong message to
your friends that you are both confdent and responsible.
SEPARATE NEEDS
FROM WANTS
#
26

To save money, it helps to really understand the difference
between needs and wants. And you probably do understand that food is a
need and a latte is a want. But some mornings, after cramming for a test
or working late, a latte is sure to feel like a need. Maybe coffee is a
need but gourmet coffee drinks are a want. Maybe a cellphone is
a need for personal safety but custom ringtones are almost
assuredly a want.
When spending your money, think about
whats really important to you and what has lasting
value. Considering needs and wants should help you
identify ways to save money and meet your goals.
19
Going to the movies, riding the bus, or even
ordering pizza might cost less if you show your
student I.D. There may be other perks as well. For
example, ask the bank if it has student checking
accounts that cost less.
If you have a car, fnd out if the insurance
company provides a discount for students with good
grades or for students who attend school more than
250 miles away and plan to leave their car at home.
Will you be fying home for the holidays? Ask about
student discounts and make your reservations far
enough in advance to qualify for lower fares.
Other ways to take advantage of your student
status and save money include buying used textbooks
or buying books discounted online and receiving free or
low-cost health care at campus health centers.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
STUDENT DISCOUNTS
#
27
Ask yourself: Do I really need a car at college? Most campuses are designed for students who walk, bike,
or ride the bus. Some colleges dont allow freshmen to bring their cars to school at all. Selling your car, or leaving
it at home, can be a real money saver for college students.
If a car is a necessity, here are a few tips for keeping the costs down:
Drive safely. Insurance companies charge less for drivers who have no traffc tickets or accidents.
Shop for insurance. By law, you must have insurance on your car. Call several companies and compare
prices. Ask if there are special discounts for students with good grades. If you have an older car, consider
carrying only liability coverage instead of paying for a more expensive comprehensive policy.
Combine errands so you only take your car out once.
Park your car in the cheapest lot on campuseven if that means you have to walk farther to class.
Get routine car maintenance done on time. Youll extend the life of your car and avoid more costly repairs.
#
28
DONT LET
CAR EXPENSES
DRIVE YOU CRAZY
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR
SPENDING ACCOUNT
#
29
20
Some colleges set up special spending accounts for students. When you put a certain amount of money
into the account, you receive a card to use to make purchases for food, services, and other items around campus.
These student accounts are handy, but watch out! Its easy to lose track of how much you are spending.
One idea: Get a small notebook and write down the cost of everything you buy with your account, just
like you would write down every check you use. That way, youll know at a glance how much youve spent and
how much you have left. Youll also have a record in case of mistakes.
PLUG EVERYDAY
SPENDING LEAKS
#
30
One of the best ways to keep track of your money is to use a spending plan or budget. Think of a budget
as your fnancial map. It tells you exactly how much money you have coming in every month, where you must
spend it and where you might be able to save a few dollars.
Income and expense worksheets are provided at the end of this booklet. Make several copies of them so
you can fll out a new one whenever your fnancial situation changes.
CREATE A BUDGET
AND STICK TO IT
#
31
Its often the small purchases you make without thinking twice that add up over time. To avoid this,
keep your money in the bank instead of in your wallet. The less cash you have handy, the less tempted you
will be to spend it.
Here are a few other ways to stretch your money while you are in school:
Cut out costly habits, such as smoking cigarettes or buying expensive coffee drinks.
Shop at thrift stores, garage sales, or fea markets for everything from furniture to sports equipment.
Avoid rent-to-own stores, pawnshops, and check-cashing stores. They will end up costing you a lot in
the long run!
Make a shopping list and stick to it so you wont spend on impulse. Clip coupons to save even more.
When possible, use your bike instead of your car. Youll save on gas and parking expenses.
Limit the number of songs and ringtones you download or avoid the expense completely!
Go to free on-campus movies or check out DVDs from the library.
21
Good credit means that you pay your bills on time and you repay your loans as promised. A good
credit record will enable you to take out a loan if you want to buy a car or house or start a business someday.
Many employers check credit reports, so good credit may even help you land your dream job one day.
Here are fve steps for building good credit:
1. Pay basic expenses, such as rent and utilities, on time.
2. Make loan and credit card payments on time.
3. Pay loans before you spend money on other purchases.
4. Apply only for the credit you need. (If you apply too often,
lenders might think you are in fnancial trouble.)
5. Do not bounce checks.
Credit-reporting agencies keep track of your debt and how you pay your bills. Often, they provide this
information to businesses when you apply for a loan, apply for a job, or look for an apartment. To order a copy
of your credit report, contact one of the three major credit-reporting agencies or the centralized Annual Credit
Report website:
Equifax: www.equifax.com, 1-800-685-1111 TransUnion: www.transunion.com, 1-800-888-4213
Experian: www.experian.com, 1-888-397-3742 Annual Credit Report: www.annualcreditreport.com
CREDIT AND DEBT
BUILD GOOD CREDIT
#
32
Recently, a major U.S. university
reported that it lost more students to
credit card debt than to funking out!
Many times colleges and
universities allow vendors that promote
credit cards to set up on campus. These
vendors offer everything from free
T-shirts to duffel bags if students will
apply for their card. The resultmany
college students fall into the trap and
easily acquire credit cards they dont
need without always fully understanding
the fne print. They often end up
drowning in debt. It can take years to pay
off these debts.
Dont give in to credit card
pushers. If you think you need a credit
card, get only one and make sure to pay
off the balance each month. Dont be
afraid to request a smaller limit than the
credit card company may set for you
automatically. Reducing your limit to a
manageable amount will help you control
your charging and make sure your balance
never exceeds your ability to pay.
Good credit allows
you to take out a loan
for big purchases like
a car or a house.
AVOID
CREDIT
CARD
PUSHERS
#
33
TAKE CONTROL OF
YOUR CREDIT CARD
#
34
If you decide you must have a credit card, manage it wisely.
Here are eight ways to take control of your credit card:
1. Keep only one credit card.
2. Shop around for a card that has no annual fee, a lower interest rate, and a 20- to 30-day grace period
(the amount of time you have to pay for new purchases before interest is charged). Avoid cards that charge a
one-time processing fee and cards with low introductory interest rates that shoot up in a few months. You can
shop for the best credit card deals on the Internet.
Visit Bankrate at www.bankrate.com.
3. Consider getting a credit card thats secured by a bank deposit,
meaning that you have enough money in a savings account to equal
the credit limit on the card. A secured credit card can help you get
used to handling credit while building a good credit history.
4. Dont charge anything you cant pay for right away.
If you have a real emergency, allow yourself three months to
repay the charge in full.
5. Mail the payment several days before the due date
so you wont be charged a late fee. Pay the whole
balance. If you cant, at least pay more than the
minimum due to keep interest charges down.
6. Think of your credit card as a loan. Before you pull out
your credit card, ask yourself, Would I really go to the
bank and take out a loan to buy this?
7. Subtract your credit card purchases from your checking
account so youll have enough money to pay the bill in full
each month.
8. Do not use a cash advance from a credit card unless you have a
serious emergency. Youll probably pay a fee for the money, and
youll be charged interest immediately.
22
23
Are you in debt trouble?
You may be if any of these sound familiar:
You dont know how much money you owe.
You use credit cards to pay normal bills.
You borrow from one credit card to pay another.
You make only the minimum payment on your credit card bill.
You miss payments or you pay your bills late.
Creditors telephone you to ask where their money is.
You get a job just to pay off your credit card.
If you fnd yourself in this kind of debt trouble, talk to someone!
People you might talk to include the dorms resident advisor, a fnancial
aid offcer or a psychologist at the campus medical center. You also can
contact a nonproft debt-counseling organization, such as the National
Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org or 1-800-388-2227).
Also, talk to your parents or guardians. They can be your biggest ally in
helping you get out of a fnancial jambut its up to you to show them
that you wont make the same mistake twice.
GET HELP IF YOU GET
INTO DEBT TROUBLE
#
35
Make sure to seek help
if you fnd yourself
in debt trouble.
24
When you save and invest, you put your money to work for you.
Learning to save money requires discipline and a frugal perspective toward spending. It is, however, possible
to teach yourself to save money in small increments. If you can learn to save a little bit at a time, you may soon realize
you dont even miss the amounts you are saving. Those small amounts add up to a signifcant sum over time.
GET INTO THE
SAVINGS HABIT
#
36
SAVING AND INVESTING MONEY
LEARN THE POWER
OF COMPOUNDING
#
37
Take advantage of the magic of compound interest. It can make small savers who start young into
millionaires by retirement. Compounding means your money earns moneyand the earnings on your money
earn money. If you save $80 today and earn 10 percent interest on that amount, you will have an extra $8
after one year. The second year you will earn 10 percent on your $80 and on the $8 you earned the previous
year. Even if you only have a small amount of savings, the longer you let it earn compound interest, the more
signifcant the results.
One way to get into the habit of saving money is to pay yourself frst. That means putting money in
your savings account before you spend it on other things.
It doesnt matter how small you start. Pretty soon, saving even $10 a month will add up. If you save that
money in an account that earns interest, it will grow even more quickly. Try these tips:
Include savings as part of your spending plan or budget.
Have your employer or fnancial institution automatically deduct money from your paycheck and deposit
it into a savings account.
Put any tax refund, raise, bonus, or gift you receive into savings rather than spending it.
Put $1 a day plus your loose change in a jar or envelope. By the end of the month, you may have $50 or
more to deposit into your savings account.
Youll be more motivated to save if you have a goal for the money. One goal should be to set aside a few
hundred dollars for an emergency. That way, you wont have to rely on credit cards or call your parents or
guardian to bail you out.
PAY YOURSELF FIRST
#
38
PAY YOURSELF FIRST
Bank savings accounts are just one place where you can save your money. You also can invest your
money in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and real estate. Your savings options include:
Savings accounts: Offered by banks and credit unions, savings accounts have low minimum
deposits, and they are considered among the safest places to put money and earn a guaranteed rate of
interest. They are usually government insured, and you can easily withdraw your money.
Money market accounts: Offered by many banks, credit unions, and mutual fund companies,
money market accounts work like checking accounts but pay higher interest rates than savings
accounts. Money market accounts often require higher minimum balances.
U.S. savings bonds: When you buy a savings bond, you are loaning money to the government for
a set period of time. The government agrees to pay you a specifc interest rate, which is usually higher
than a savings account.
Certifcates of Deposit (CDs): These are basically loans to the institution from which you purchase
them. They typically offer higher interest rates but require you to keep your money in them for a set
period of timesix months, one year, two years, or longer.

Stocks: Stocks are small pieces (shares) of the company that issued the stock. Over longer periods
of time, stocks tend to generate higher rates of return, but they can be risky.
Mutual funds: When you buy a mutual fund, you pool your
money with other peoples money
and become part owner of a
portfolio of stocks, bonds,
or other assets held by the fund.
They are similar to stocks in that
share prices change daily and
you can lose money, but they
do offer you a way to diversify
investments and not have all of
your eggs in one basket.
LEARN ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS FOR
SAVING AND INVESTING MONEY
#
39
25
26
NET WORTH IS NOT THE
SAME AS SELF-WORTH
#
40
Money is important, but its not everything. Good friends, strong values and work you enjoy count for
more than all the money in the world. Money is only a vehicle to help you get where you want to go. Manage
it well: cut the little expenses that add up, avoid borrowing money at high interest levels, and watch your money
grow as you save and invest. This way, youll feel a sense of accomplishment and your money will help you
reach your goals.
Good luck!
Step 1: Identify Income
Use this worksheet to estimate your monthly income. Do not count as income any fnancial aid that is paid
directly to the college rather than sent to you. You are not responsible for managing that money. If you receive some of
your fnancial aid in a lump-sum payment or refund, divide the total amount by the number of months it must last.
Monthly Income Worksheet
Sources Per Month

Financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) paid directly to you ........................ $
After-tax wages from a job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $
Financial help from family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $
Withdrawals from savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other (child support, public assistance, gifts, etc.) .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... $
SPENDING PLAN WORKSHEET
27
Sources Per Month
Savings* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Tuition and fees you are responsible
for paying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Textbooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
School supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Rent, mortgage, or dorm room . . . . . . . $
Food (groceries or meal plan) . . . . . . . . $
Utilities (heat, water, electricity) . . . . $
Telephone/cable/Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Transportation
(gas, car payment, travel at holidays) $
Insurance (car, health, renters) . . . . . . $
Child care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Loan/credit card payments . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Snacks/dining out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Clothes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Sources Per Month
Entertainment
(movies, dates, concerts) . . . . . . . ....... $
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... $
Total Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $
*If you think of saving money as a regular monthly
expense, you will be more likely to get into the
savings habit.
Step 3: Compare Income and Expenses
Write down your total monthly income
(from Step 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $
Write down your total monthly expenses
(from Step 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $
Subtract expenses from income and
list amount here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $
Step 4: Set Priorities and Make Changes
Was there money left over at the end of the
month? Congratulations! If you treat it wisely (for
example, putting it into a savings account), you will
be on your way to reaching your goals. If you came up
short, review your spending plan to fgure out where
you can cut some expenses or increase your income
(or both).
Step 2: List Expenses
Use this worksheet to estimate your monthly expenses. If you are not sure how much you spend
every month, start a spending notebook. Write down what you spend on everything for the next two
or three monthsincluding small purchases, such as cups of coffee and magazines. At the end of the
time, add up what you have spent, divide by the number of months, and use the results to complete the
worksheet. Do not list as an expense any tuition or fees that are paid directly to the college by your
fnancial aid sources. You are not responsible for managing that money.
Monthly Expenses Worksheet
28
(exclude those costs directly covered by fnancial aid)
29
Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid
Visit www.studentaid.ed.gov, click on Tools and Resources, then Publications
RESOURCES
American Institute of Certifed Public Accountants
www.feedthepig.org
America Saves
www.americasaves.org
Americorps
www.americorps.gov
Bankrate
www.bankrate.com
CashCourse
www.cashcourse.org/lite
Choose to Save
www.choosetosave.org
College Goal Sunday
www.collegegoalsundayusa.org
Consumer Federation of America
www.consumerfed.org
Credit Reports
www.annualcreditreport.com
Credit Reporting Agencies
www.equifax.com
www.experian.com
www.transunion.com
Federal Reserve Education
www.federalreserveeducation.org
Federal Student Aid
www.studentaid.ed.gov
FinAid! The Smart Student

Guide to Financial Aid

www.fnaid.org
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
www.fafsa.gov
The Investors Clearinghouse
www.investoreducation.org
National Association of Student Financial Aid
Administrators (NASFAA)
www.nasfaa.org
National Endowment for Financial Education
(NEFE)
www.nefe.org
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
www.nfcc.org
Opt Out: Stop most credit card offers by visiting
www.optoutprescreen.com
or call 1-888-5OPT-OUT (567-8688)
Peace Corps
www.peacecorps.gov
Smart About Money
www.smartaboutmoney.org
Spendster
www.spendster.org
Teach For America
www.teachforamerica.org
U.S. Department of Education
www.ed.gov
40 Money Management Tips Every College Student Should Know
was written and prepared as a public service by the Denver-based
National Endowment for Financial Education

(NEFE

),
Ted Beck, President and CEO; Brent A. Neiser, CFP, Director
of Strategic Programs and Alliances; Mary J. Schultz, MNM,
Project Manager; Amy B. Hartenstine, Director; and Mary Hoch,
Associate.

NEFE is an independent nonproft foundation committed to educating
Americans about personal fnance and empowering them to make
positive and sound decisions to reach fnancial goals. The National
Endowment for Financial Education, NEFE and the NEFE logo are
federally registered service marks of the National Endowment for
Financial Education.
For more information about the
National Endowment for Financial Education, visit:
www.nefe.org
To download 40 Money Management Tips in PDF format, visit:
www.smartaboutmoney.org/40moneytips
40 MONEY MANAGEMENT TIPS EVERY COLLEGE STUDENT SHOULD KNOW